09.11.2026

WAES Achieves Nine ‘Strong Standard’ Scores in Ofsted Report

Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) has achieved nine ‘Strong standard’ scores in its first inspection under Ofsted’s new education inspection framework.

The report, published by Ofsted on 4 November following an inspection that finished on 25 September, recognises strengths across WAES’s provision, including inclusion, leadership and governance, apprenticeships, and provision for learners with high needs. Ofsted inspected WAES as Westminster City Council‘s adult education service.

Under Ofsted’s new report card system, providers no longer receive a single overall grade. Instead, inspectors assess multiple aspects of performance across different curriculum areas and settings.

WAES received:

Nine scores at ‘Strong standard’, including every aspect of apprenticeships and provision for learners with high needs
Two scores at ‘Expected standard’

Particularly strong outcomes were achieved for Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Apprenticeships, and Provision for Learners with High Needs, where all aspects were scored as ‘Strong standard’.

The inspection recognised WAES’s commitment to creating opportunities for learners from all backgrounds, supporting residents to develop skills, gain qualifications, progress into work and further learning, and contribute to their communities.

What Ofsted said

“Learners, including those facing significant barriers to learning such as refugees who have fled war and conflict, feel safe, welcome and respected at the college.”
“Learners develop the confidence and skills that they need to realise their ambitions.”
“Staff feel valued and cared for by leaders and are proud to work at Westminster Adult Education Service.”
“Leaders have established a culture where learners and apprentices, including disadvantaged learners, are welcomed and supported very effectively to achieve their goals.”
“Leaders have developed a highly responsive, well-considered curriculum.”
“This creates a harmonious environment where learners and apprentices feel they belong.”

Commitment to learners and communities

Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of WAES, said:

“I am delighted by the very positive outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. This fantastic achievement reflects the professionalism, dedication and hard work of our learners, staff and governors, and the positive difference WAES makes to learners and communities. We should all feel proud of this recognition and what it says about our shared commitment to helping learners achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential.”

Councillor Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning with responsibility for WAES, said:

“The success of the latest Ofsted report, following the fantastic recent news of its Learning Provider of the Year award, underscores the fact that WAES is an incredible asset to Westminster’s residents and businesses, helping people develop skills for work and pursue their passions in life.”

The positive inspection outcome follows recent national recognition for WAES, which was named Learning Provider of the Year at the Get the Nation Learning Awards.